While recovering from an addiction, professionals in our treatment program benefit the most when they are exposed to different types of therapy. The combination of individual, group and family therapy can create optimal results for patients in need of unique skill sets that will help them cope with their addiction. In each type of therapy, the patient will gain distinct insights that complement those of the other sessions. Individual therapy is usually where patients begin the process of acquiring more self-awareness and understanding of their own issues. They are in the form of one-on-one discussions in a private office with a therapist who is there to help guide the patient through recovery throughout the entire length of treatment. Individual therapy is necessary to provide emotional support, teach new coping skills and ensure that the patient is staying on track with their goals. Most importantly, therapists motivate their clients to have the desire and motivation to complete their recovery.

Group therapy is another crucial part of treatment because it teaches different coping skills than individual therapy, especially in communication and working with others. Patients in group therapy meet other professionals who have been through many of the same struggles of dealing with the stress of their career and ultimately developing an addiction. This type of therapy helps patients learn to rely on others for support, hope and strength instead of being isolated to deal with their problems alone. Group sessions are usually led by a trained mental health professional who will facilitate discussion and make sure there are time limits for everyone who speaks so that others get a chance to respond. Discussions are usually focused on recovery topics so that people can share their progress and insights about treatment.

Family should be incorporated as an integral part of therapy because these relationships can have a profound impact on a patient’s well-being. Professionals may sometimes have strained relationships with their family because they spend so much time at work and struggle to balance work and family life. The most important part of family therapy is healing any past anger or unresolved issues that are causing problems at home. Addiction itself can create family problems that need to be addressed in order to move forward. Addicts need to have a healthy family life in order to remain sober after they complete treatment so they must work to improve communication and relationships with their immediate family members. Along with the other approaches, family therapy can help complete the therapeutic needs of professionals in recovery.